Spark indicator



May 28, 1929. E 1,715,249 v SPARK INDICATOR Filed May 24, 1926 INVENTOR ATTORNEY WITNESS:

Patented May 28, 1929.

I'IANS RUE, OF LONG BEACII, CALIFORNIA.-

SPARK INDICATOR.

Application filed ma 24, 1926. Serial No. 111,355. I

This invention relates to improvements in devices for testing spark plugs of internal combustion engines, an object being to provide a device which may be quickly and conveniently positioned for use, whereby one or morefof :the plugs may be shorted to ascertain the condition of the plugs.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device of the above character which includes a circuit controlling device having an individual switch arm for each plug, with novel means for holding the arms in circuit closing position so as to insure proper electrical connection irrespective of the amount of vibration of the engine.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention further includes the following novel features and details of construction, to be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the appended claims. I

In the drawings Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the use of the invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a similar view on the line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a section similar to Figure 2 but showing a'slightly different form of the invention.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevation of the form of the invention shown in Figure 4.

Referring in detail to the drawings wherein like characters of reference denote corresponding parts, the reference character 10 indicates a portion of an internal combustion engine, the spark plugs of which are indicated at 11.

The invention comprises a panel 12 which may be of any suitable insulating material and this panel is provided with any desired number of spaced terminal buttons or contacts 13 from which extend lead wires 14. The wires 14 are provided with clips 15 for detachable engagement with the spark plugs 11.

The panel is provided with a number of switch arms 16 which are adapted'to engage the contacts 13. These switch arms are slidtor plate 17 and its opposite ends adapted for connection with the frame of an automobile, a portion of which is illustrated at 21. Any

suitable means may be provided for fconnecvt1on with the frame as indicated at 22.

Extending alongone edgeof the conductor plate 1 7- is a combined plate retaining and arm guiding strip 23 which is provided with spaced openings 24 for the passage of the arms 16. As shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, these arms are substantially V-shaped in cross section so that their opposite side edges will make positive electrical engagement with the plate 17, while their central portions Wlll make proper contact with the contacts 13, the transverse shape of the arms acting to stiffen the latter.

In the use of the device as so far described, the leads areconnected to the plugs as illus trated in Figure 1 of the drawings with the 7 lead 20 connected with the ground 21. By engaging the free ends of the switch arms 16 with the terminal contacts 13, any one or any number of the plugs may be shorted and their condition thus determined.

In Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, the panel which is indicated at 12 is provided with any'desired number'of spaced terminal buttons 25 which are connected by a conductor plate or strip 26. This plate or strip has connected thereto one end of a conductor or lead (not shown) whose opposite end is designed to be connected to the frame 21, as illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings.

Secured to the panel 12 and electrically connected with each of the buttons 25, is the inner end of a switch arm 27, the said arms from the panel. The outer'ends of the arms 27 carry headed studs 29 which are adapted sockets. 30 located within the panel 12. Secured to each of these sockets is a conductor wireor lead 31 which are provided'with suitable clamps for engagement with the electrodes of the spark plugs.

The use of this form of the invention is substantially the same .as that set forth in con nection with the form shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 and it is not thought necessary to repeat the same.

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportions and minor details of construction and the right is herein reserved to make such changes as properly for frictional engagement with the, walls of fall within the scope of the appended claims. Having described the invention what is claimed is V 1. In a device of the class described, apanel, a plurality of switch arms having a substantially V-shaped cross section and slidable upon the panel, a slotted conductor plate mounted upon the panel and engaged by the.

edges of the V-shaped arms, operating knobs carried by the switch arms and extending through the slots of the plate, spaced contacts carried by the panel and located in the path of the arms, conductor wires extending from each contact and a ground wire extending from the conductor plate.

2. In a device of the class described, a panel, a plurality of switch arms slidable thereon, a slotted conductor plate mounted upon the panel and retaining the arms, operating knobs carried by the switch arms and extending through the slots of the plate, a combined switch arm guide and plate retaining strip secured along one'edge of the panel, spaced contacts carried by the panel and located in the path of the arms, conductor wires extending from each contact and a ground wire extending from the conductor plate.

' In testimony whereof I afiix my'signature.

HANS RUE. 

